Microwave Overheating - Catch on Fire???

[duckwonder]

Hi All. I'm in a 2004 PleasureWay Excel TS. When I got a new generator (Onan from Cummins), they told me as part of regular maintenance to run a heavy load on it (including the a/c and microwave) for about an hour per month. I did that today for about 15 minutes.

The microwave was extremely hot to the touch. Turned off the microwave and the GenSet. Afraid to use it now. Has anyone had this problem? Is it an electrical issue that could start a fire? What can I do to prevent and/or fix it?

[SCVJeff]

KD4UPL wrote:
Beside needing something in the microwave I would question if it's rated for that long of continuous use. Most people run a MW no more than 5 minutes at a time. I would assume the cheap ones used in RV's probably aren't designed for that kind of duration.

thats why there are internal fans and power management systems. These microwave units are exactly the same as is found in a residence or apt.

[2oldman]

Need OP.

[KD4UPL]

Beside needing something in the microwave I would question if it's rated for that long of continuous use. Most people run a MW no more than 5 minutes at a time. I would assume the cheap ones used in RV's probably aren't designed for that kind of duration.

[SCVJeff]

That microwave expects to dissipate 1000+ watts into some sort of a "load" (food, liquid, etc) in that cavity, it's no surprise it got hot IF it was empty. Put a non-conductive bowl of water in there and see what happens. Those Klystons can take a beating so it might be fine.

[DownTheAvenue]

Two issues here:
1. Never run a microwave without something non metallic in it.
2. Never listen to anyone from a RV dealer. Read your owner's manual.

[GordonThree]

Mfan wrote:
Never run a microwave empty

x2 - that micro is likely shot.

In a perfect scenario the microwave's thermal safety cut-out would stop the unit before it got hot enough to start a fire... but who knows with the limited circulation and close quarters an RV unit is subjected to.

[Mfan]

Never run a microwave empty

[2oldman]

darsben1 wrote:
What did you have in the microwave to absorb the energy?

x2

[time2roll]

I would use a space heater long before a microwave.

[darsben1]

Whoever told you that is wrong.
The a/c is plenty
What did you have in the microwave to absorb the energy?
Bowl of water?

[Lwiddis]

Yes, a microwave can catch fire. What was in the microwave that you were heating during this stress maintenance?

[midnightsadie]

I never run micro and ac at the same time, thats a huge load,